SHOREBIRDS GAME NOTES: 7/25 vs. Lakewood

PREVIEW: Following a marathon game that ended at 12:10 on Sunday morning, the Shorebirds aim to level the series at one game apiece. Anthony Hewitt scored in the top of the 18th inning on a bases loaded walk issued to Jonathan Villar. The game totaled 125 at-bats and five hours and five minutes. Twelve pitchers toed the rubber between the two teams. Lakewood managed only three hits in the eight extra-innings but still pulled out the win.

BREAKDOWN OF OPPONENTS: The Shorebirds have 42 games remaining in 2010. Here is a breakdown of their remaining opponents. The ‘Birds will play: 9 games against Lakewood (18-10), four games vs. Hickory (16-13), nine games against Lexington (15-14), eight games against Hagerstown (10-19), four games against Augusta (16-13), four vs. Kannapolis (12-17) and four against West Virginia (12-17).

LEVI PITCHES: For the second time in his career, Levi Carolus was called on to pitch in the 17th inning as the Shorebirds ran out of options. He allowed a hit and a run in two full innings. Carolus last toed the rubber in 2006 for the Venezuelan Summer League Orioles. In two innings, he surrendered 12 hits and eight earned runs.

FOUR-HIT GAME: In eight at-bats last night, Garabez Rosa registered his first four-hit game in 2010. It was just the second four-hit game of his career.

LAST PLAYOFF APPEARANCE: The Shorebirds have not qualified for the SAL playoffs in four years. In 2005, the Shorebirds last made the playoffs by winning the second half (42-27). The Shorebirds lost to Hagerstown two games to one in the semi-finals.

PLAYER TO WATCH: OMAR CASAMAYOR
Omar Casamayor had one of big hits in the ninth inning last night to help the ‘Birds plate five runs. He went 2-for-7 with two runs and two RBIs. Casamayor has at least one hit in three straight games. The Palmira, Venezuela native was added to the ‘Birds roster on July 20 after Mike Mooney went down with a left thumb injury. The 23-year old batted .309 in 24 games for the Ironbirds. He notched five doubles and 10 RBIs.